Traditional Mortise-and-Tenon Joinery — Clean, Tight, and Strong

Article 37: Traditional Mortise-and-Tenon Joinery — Clean, Tight, and Strong

By: A Woodworker Who Honors the Classics

Mortise-and-tenon joinery is a pillar of fine woodworking, used for centuries in table legs, doors, and frames. This article explains how to make a strong, snug fit with hand tools or power tools.

Materials

• Two pieces of hardwood:

  • Tenon piece: 1" x 2" x 10"

  • Mortise piece: 2" x 2" x 10"

• Wood glue

Tools Needed

• Marking gauge

• Mortise chisel (1/4", 3/8")

• Tenon saw or backsaw

• Mallet

• Router or drill press (optional for mortise)

• Clamps

Steps

1. Layout the Joint

   • Use a marking gauge to define a tenon 1/3 the thickness of the stock.

   • Mark mortise on the corresponding face of the mating board.

2. Cut the Mortise

   • Chop with a mortise chisel or drill multiple holes and clean out with a chisel.

   • Mortise depth = 1.25x tenon thickness for extra strength.

3. Cut the Tenon

   • Saw cheeks carefully down to shoulder lines.

   • Trim cheeks for a snug fit — test with light hand pressure.

4. Dry Fit, Then Glue

   • Test the joint. Use glue in mortise walls, insert tenon, clamp, and square.

Diagram – Mortise and Tenon

Exploded View:
 [Tenon] ─────────────► [Mortise Slot]
   ||                         ||
   ||_________________________||
   |___________________________|